A good sewing book is like having a teacher on your bookshelf. You can dip in when you’re stuck, and it’s still there when your phone battery dies. These are the sewing books for beginners I’d recommend to my own students, and what to look for if you’re choosing your own.
What makes a good sewing book for beginners?
- Lots of pictures. Clear photos or drawings of every step. Sewing is hard to learn from words alone.
- Projects that build up. The best books start simple and add one new skill with each make.
- Patterns included. Some books come with full-size paper patterns, so you don’t need to buy them separately.
- UK terms. UK and US books use different words, like tacking and basting. A UK book is easier if you’re learning here.
The best sewing books for beginners
1. Love at First Stitch by Tilly Walnes
A friendly, colourful book for anyone who wants to make their own clothes. Tilly Walnes, the founder of Tilly and the Buttons, walks you through a series of projects that get a little harder each time. Best for: beginners who want to go straight to dressmaking. Published by Quadrille: Love at First Stitch.
2. The Great British Sewing Bee: Back to Basics
The companion book to series 10 of the BBC show, focused on the basics. If the Sewing Bee is what made you want to sew, this is a lovely place to start. Best for: fans of the show who are brand new to sewing. See The Great British Sewing Bee: Back to Basics.
3. The Sewing Book by Alison Smith
A big DK reference book covering tools, fabrics and techniques, with step-by-step photos. It’s less about projects and more about how to do each thing properly. Best for: keeping on the shelf to look things up for years to come. Find The Sewing Book here.
4. Sew Over It by Lisa Comfort
Lisa Comfort founded the Sew Over It sewing school in London. Her first book mixes simple projects for you and your home with a cosy, vintage feel. Best for: beginners who want pretty, practical makes. From Ebury: Sew Over It.
5. Sew Over It Vintage by Lisa Comfort
If you love the look of clothes from Nanna Betty’s day, this one’s for you. Vintage-inspired makes for when you’ve got a few projects under your belt. Best for: your second sewing book. See Sew Over It Vintage.
Books, videos or cards?
Books are wonderful, but some steps are easier to understand when you watch someone do them. Many beginners learn best with a mix: a book for reference, and short videos for the tricky bits. I compare the options in sewing lessons for beginners: classes or online.
Whichever you choose, start with the right sewing tools, learn a few basic stitches, and pick an easy first project. New to all of this? Read my simple guide to learning how to sew.
Learn how to sew the Nanna Betty way
The Nanna Betty sewing cards come from my book, Sewing Made Easy. Each card teaches one skill with a simple drawing and a top tip, with short videos you can watch on your phone. Every make takes 2 hours or less.
Leave a Reply